Writers

Pumas named for AllBlacks

James Mortimer 05 Sep 2012 Getty Images

Argentina has been boosted by the inclusion of first five-eighth Juan Martin Hernandez, a player who in 2007 was rated as arguably the best number ten on the planet - before injury robbed him of his chance to pressure Dan Carter for the mantle as the finest playmaker in the game.

Hernandez made his first start for the Pumas in three years when featuring in The Investec Rugby Championship new boy's 27-6 loss to the Springboks in South Africa, before being ruled out of the return clash in Mendoza.

Argentina drew 16-16 with South Africa in that match, their best ever result from a test side from the Republic.

Openside flanker Juan Manuel Leguizamon is the only other change to the side.

The run on XV boasts 408 caps.

Leguizamon's return is crucial against an inform All Blacks back row, with the 29-year-old playing a significant role in the defensive effort that allowed the Pumas to rattle the World Champion's elect during the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals last year.

Twelve players will line up from that match, with three new players, while Santiago Fernandez is the sole positional switch, moving from 10 to 12 to replace Felipe Contepomi - who lined up at second five-eighth against the All Blacks during the quadrennial tournament.

Argentina have drawn once and lost 13 test matches to the All Blacks, this does not include the four non-capped internationals played in 1976 and 1979, which New Zealand won.